The first back selected in the 2019 NFL Draft was Alabama running back Josh Jacobs. Jacobs landed in one of the best possible situations in terms of likely playing time as he joins a backfield that lost Marshawn Lynch and only has competition from subpar veteran Doug Martin and pass catching specialist Jalen Richard.

The question about Jacobs is whether or not he's built to be an every-down back at the NFL level. Jacobs split touches all three years in college and never eclipsed even 650 rushing yards in a season for the Crimson Tide. His yards per carry were impressive and he was a reasonably useful pass catcher, but he only touched the ball a total of 299 times on offense in his three college years combined. Sure, Alabama had other talented backs for him to compete with so some of his lack of usage can be written off due to the team likely just wanting to keep their players healthy, but it's also a bit concerning that he wasn't able to completely run away with the lion's share of the team's running back touches.

If he's able to stay healthy, there's almost no way that Jacobs doesn't finish as at least an RB2. If he's as good as the Raiders seem to believe he is, and they feature him in a way that would justify them selecting him in the first round of the NFL Draft, then there's even a chance that he sneaks in as a fantasy RB1 this season.

Besides Liuget, the #Raiders also signed LB Bryson Allen-Williams and waived long snapper Andrew DePaola. RB Doug Martin was placed on reserve/injured list. Getting a lot more than $90,000. (Vic Tafur on Twitter)

Jon Gruden said Jalen Richard reminds the coach of Charlie Garner and is deserving of a bigger role. And then he drafts Josh Jacobs in the first round to be a three-down back. Richard will probably split backup carries with Doug Martin and will lose a good chunk of those 68 catches last year to Jacobs. (The Athletic - Vic Tafur)

FFToday's Take:Richard was one of the fantasy's biggest surprises in 2018 despite scoring only one touchdown, as he caught 68 of his 81 targets on a team that played from behind a ton. Unfortunately for him, Jacobs profiles as a solid early-down back who is quite gifted in the passing game. It wouldn't be surprising if Richard see his target cut almost in half this season, barring a multi-week injury to Jacobs.

Josh Jacobs on Tuesday became the final Raiders draft pick to sign his rookie contract, as the first-round choice and former star Alabama running back completed a four-year deal, the team announced.
The $11.9 million pact features a fifth-year team option, standard language for any first-round pick. (Las Vegas Review Journal)

FFToday's Take:Despite not being signed, Jacobs participated in off-season activities and is expected to report to camp on July 23rd with the rest of the rookies. Jacobs is the favorite to lead the Raiders in running back touches with Jalen Richard filling a pass-catching role.

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